Can I call my baby Jacob?

[Loopsroo]

I am struggling with boys names!

The only one I am really set on is Jacob but my brother’s baby is James.

Are these too similar? Can I name my baby Jacob?

Yes of course you can.
Lovely name. I love the nn Jake and Coby too.

I’m assuming you mean because they are essentially the same name - originate from the exact same name rather than because it’s a J?
I don’t think it would even stop me for siblings - not sure - definitely fine for cousins

Jacobus is the roman version of the name James which originates from Hebrew Jacob so they share the same roots. In history we see this in the Jacobite rebellion which were rebellions in Scotland to restore King James and the Stuarts to the throne.

So not sure I'd use them for brothers but in your case its a lovely choice

Just to derail, I can think of sibling name combinations like Ian and Sean, or John and Jane, Jean and Joan and so on.
I think that cousins with names like John, Ian, Evan, Sean and Janet would not raise any concern, so James and Jacob should be fine.

Yes, it's completely fine!

I knew cousins who had the same name. I also know sisters named Melanie and Melissa!